To The Editor:
My wife and I moved to Rio Grande one year ago. We left a modest home in Voorhees Township, where we spent 27 wonderful years and raised two successful children. We would love to have retired in Voorhees, but we felt that the property taxes would be too burdensome. A significantly lower tax rate was one of the main reasons we chose to relocate to this area.
So, when I opened our 2013 Property Tax envelope, and saw a 16 percent increase, I was shocked and dismayed. For us, this translates into an $800 annual increase, which we are expected to pay entirely over the last half of the year. Was attempting to retire in Middle Township a huge mistake?
Whether this increase was levied due to the home re-assessment program, or to the new teachers’ contract, or a combination of these and other issues, I believe it is wrong to try to re-balance the township’s budget all in one year. As difficult as this increase is for us, I’m sure it is much more so for many other township residents.
I believe the township’s 16 percent tax increase is misguided and should be rescinded. However, I do understand that if the township is facing such a budgetary shortfall, it must be addressed. But, I strongly suggest that this should be accomplished gradually; for example, through a 4 percent increase annually over the next four years. Doing so would significantly ease the tax burden on Middle Township residents. I believe it is the right thing to do.
ROBERT BLASS
Rio Grande
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